Biaggi celebrates maiden WSBK pole

Max Biaggi says his first World Superbike pole position for Aprilia Alitalia has given him 'great satisfaction' after achieving it at both his and the team's home circuit on Monza.

As an Italian riding an Italian bike with an Italian title sponsor, Biaggi arrived at Monza eager to put on a strong performance, one that would also haul him back into the title fight with Leon Haslam.

The former GP star has delivered so far, setting a new speed record during Superpole of 330kph (205mph) to edge out Cal Crutchlow for 'Saturday honours'.

As well as being his best qualifying result with Aprilia, it also marks his first-ever World Superbike pole position in 45 attempts.

"It is a great Saturday for the team and for me, a Saturday which takes us to our first pole which - unfortunately - doesn't earn any points, but it gives us great satisfaction,” he said.

“It is a result which gives proof of the quality of our work and which I would like to dedicate to all of the guys on our team; people who have worked hard and with great skill to help me shave hundredths off of hundredths.

“Today the track was better, even compared to the free practice sessions this morning and we were more aggressive than usual with the qualifying tyre, so we were able to reap the fruits of the hard work we did. Now we cannot back down.”

Looking ahead to the races, although Aprilia is anticipated to have an advantage in a straight-line, just as it did at Portimao when Biaggi was a double race winner, the 38-year-old maintains race day will be tough.

“There is still another test session which we will use to find the best settings to use for the races. We can't forget that for us this is only the second time on this track while our opponents know Monza very well thanks to years of races and tests.

“We have a nice package but our best adversaries are all right there very close, so we know that tomorrow will be difficult, as it always is in Superbike."

Join
the conversation - Add your comment

Although the administrators and moderators of this website will attempt to keep all objectionable comments off these pages, it is impossible for us to review all messages. All messages express the views of the poster, and neither Crash Media Group nor Crash.Net will be held responsible for the content of any message. We do not vouch for or warrant the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message, and are not responsible for the contents of any message. If you find a message objectionable, please contact us and inform us of the problem or use the [report] function next to the offending post. Any message that does not conform with the policy of this service can be edited or removed with immediate effect.

In reply to NoBigDeal, 3 years ago i would have agreed with you. Since joining WSBK Max is a different man, polite, gracious in defeat and genuinely seems to be enjoying himself now he doesn't have to worry about all the political bull$hit in the other paddock.
Good luck for raceday and come on you Brits!